Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Blasts Centre Over Alleged 'Vote Chori'
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy calls for a GK Go Back movement, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar amidst allegations of voter suppression.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the Union government, accusing it of conspiring to strip Indian citizens of their fundamental right to vote. The Chief Minister alleged that the Centre is attempting to create a fractured society consisting of two distinct classes: those with voting rights and those without.
In a heated condemnation, Reddy targeted the Election Commission, citing significant discrepancies in the Statistical Information Report (SIR). He described the current political climate as a direct assault on democracy, particularly following the recent arrests of high-profile Congress leaders.
'GK Go Back' Movement Called for
The Chief Minister expressed deep outrage over the arrests of Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. He argued that instead of penalising those responsible for wrongdoing, the government has chosen to target opposition leaders who demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Drawing a historical parallel to the 'Simon Go Back' movement of the Indian freedom struggle, Revanth Reddy called for a nationwide 'GK (Gyanesh Kumar) Go Back' movement. He asserted that the agitation would persist until the CEC steps down from his position.
"The ongoing agitation will not stop until CEC Gyanesh Kumar resigns," the Chief Minister stated, reminding the government of the farmers' protests where the administration eventually yielded to public pressure and withdrew its laws.
Allegations of Agency Misuse
Reddy further alleged that the central government has been systematically exploiting investigative agencies to target political rivals. He claimed that while the Enforcement Directorate (ED), CBI, and Income Tax Department have been used against opponents, the Election Commission is now being directly manipulated for political advantage.
The Chief Minister highlighted several key concerns regarding the current administration's conduct:
- Voter Suppression: He warned that the Congress party would fight any attempt to manipulate election outcomes by deleting names from voter lists.
- Police Conduct: He criticized the deployment of police against Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, labeling it a sign of intolerance by the top leadership of the ruling party.
- Constitutional Safeguards: He maintained that no entity has the authority to snatch away the voting rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
A United Front via INDIA Alliance
Revanth Reddy emphasized that the fight to safeguard the Constitution is not a solitary struggle for the Congress party. He described it as a collective movement involving the INDIA alliance and the general public.
The Chief Minister warned that those who trample on the rights of the people will eventually face accountability in the "people's court." He concluded by stating that Congress workers are prepared to intensify their fight, warning the government that if the people unite, they will teach a lesson that cannot be ignored.